Two days of Easter fun in New West this weekend

Lots to do in New West this Easter weekend! Photo: Vanderdehaage (Flickr)

In New West, we certainly know how to celebrate! When I moved here from Delta four years ago, I had a bit of a culture shock. I was amazed by the sheer number of festivals and events that take place in the city. In Delta, we had the Delta Days Parade, but there wasn’t really much else that was easy to get to. Here, we have something to celebrate every month throughout the spring and summer. For me, the Easter weekend has always been my unofficial kick-off to the flurry of festivals we have in the months to come.

The fun starts at River Market’s Easter celebration on Saturday, April 23 from 10:30 to 2:30. It also happens to be Pedagogy Toys’ 4th birthday. Bloom Art Studio will be hosting Easter Egg Dyeing from 10:30 to 11:00. The Paddlewheeler Pub will be supplying hot chocolate and cookies to those who attend from 12:30 – 2:30. Much to my delight, I’ve found out that Crepes Des Amis will also be providing Sweet Apple Cider and French Sweet Crepes (and I can’t wait until they open at the River Market next month). There will also be tons of entertainment by the Vancouver Circus School, Jania Russell, and the Creole Jazz Band, not to mention face painting and balloon animals for kids – and of course, the Easter Bunny!

The fun continues on Sunday with the 31st annual Hyack Antique Car Easter Parade. The parade starts at noon, but you can come down to the Front Street Parkade starting at 10:00 to get an up-close look at the beautiful cars. There will be entertainment by the Fouruvus Dixieland Band, and the Easter Bunny will also make an appearance. The parade will start at noon and travels down Columbia Street to 12th Street, up 12th Street to 6th Avenue, and then along 6th Avenue to Queens Park. The cars will be hanging out at the park afterwards, so you can check them out when they arrive.

In the park, New Westminster Parks, Culture, and Recreation has their Easter Festivities beginning at 11:00 until 2:00. There will be special family games and treats for children 3 – 10 years old. The petting zoo will be open (hooray!) and there will be entertainment in the Bandshell for the entire event. There will also be face painting, crafts, clowns, and a concession with hot dogs, popcorn, and hot and cold drinks. Kids can also get their photo taken with the Easter Bunnies for a suggested $2 donation, with proceeds going to New Westminster Youth Services.
All the events go on rain or shine, and right now, the forecast is calling for good weather. I think after writing all that, I’m glad I’m not the Easter Bunny – he has a lot of places to be this weekend!